​Qaqambile Mdledle
Gauteng Premier David Makhura says cross sector partnerships where expertise and resources are shared are critical in the fight against crime in the province.
Speaking during the Operation O Kae Molao in Soweto on Thursday, Premier Makhura said collaboration between law enforcement agencies and private security can help track down perpetrators of crimes.​
"We will see much more improved security and public safety when we see cooperation between law enforcement agencies and private security companies. They have done it before and they worked very well even when they were dealing with unrests," he said. 
Operation O kae Molao is a road safety and crime prevention operation that is targeted at ensuring that motorists and residents adhere to the road regulations and the law.
Assaults, rape, housebreaking, car hijacking and business robberies have been identified as the most problematic crimes in Soweto.
"These crimes can be minimised by engaging with the community and engaging with external stakeholders such as Business against Crime, public safety and private security companies," said the premier.
Premier Makhura said the operation with private security companies has expanded its areas of focus.
"Operation O Kae Molao has now moved to a major illegal operation area in Bramfischerville which includes illicit trade, cable theft, illegal mining, illegal migrants, and illegal electricity connections including material processing gold have also been found which will be confiscated," he said.
Premier Makhura emphasised the importance of ensuring proper investigations to secure convictions against those accused of crime.​
"But we want to see the criminal justice system bringing all the people all the way to face justice. It doesn't help to arrest a lot of people but when they appear in court, not proper detective work has been done."
The premier used the opportunity to conduct a door-to-door vaccination programme in Dobsonville where a new pop-up site was opened.​